Indian Shares Post Worst Fiscal Performance Since 2020 Amid Foreign Exodus, War, Trade Woes
India's benchmark Nifty 50 and Sensex recorded their weakest fiscal-year performance in six years, falling about 5% and 7% respectively, driven by record foreign portfolio outflows of $19.69 billion and geopolitical shocks.
Key Points
- Nifty 50 fell 5.1% and Sensex dropped 7.1% in fiscal 2026, worst since 2020
- Foreign portfolio investors sold a record $19.69 billion worth of Indian equities
- IT sector saw highest outflows among all sectors
- TCS, Wipro, and Infosys ranked among worst Nifty 50 performers
Full Details
India's stock markets experienced their worst fiscal-year performance since 2020 as the Nifty 50 and Sensex indices fell approximately 5.1% and 7.1% respectively in the fiscal year ending March 2026. The decline was primarily driven by a record $19.69 billion in foreign portfolio investor outflows, with the IT sector experiencing the highest outflows among all sectors. Major IT companies including Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, and Infosys ranked among the worst Nifty 50 performers during the fiscal year. The market slump was compounded by war-related shocks from the Middle East conflict, U.S. tariff pressures, and broader global trade concerns, marking the weakest showing for Indian equities since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Why It Matters
The significant foreign investor exodus signals eroding confidence in India's economic outlook, potentially leading to currency pressure and requiring policy interventions to restore market stability.
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